The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley invited folks to celebrate 130 years of helping others, by touring it's new facility that opened doors in Youngstown in November 2021.

 

The non-profit was established in 1893 by a group of Christian businessmen who wanted to help the homeless and hungry in Youngstown.

 

 Today that mission has expanded and is going strong. 

 

 Currently what we're doing is sheltering and feeding the homeless population here in the valley. We have 186 beds," John Muckridge III, President/CEO of Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, said. 

 

The nonprofit has served over 1.3 million meals and provides not only food to fill empty stomachs but food for thought about Jesus Christ, the bread of life. 

 

Those who stay here must find jobs if they are able to work, plus take accountability for their actions to transition out of homelessness.

 

"One would be workforce development, so we're teaching folks how to fill out applications, job training video's curriculum that we do," CEO Muchridge added.

 

The Rescue Mission of the MV also teaches folks how to manage their money and live below their means, which is more important than ever with rent and the cost of groceries and so many other necessities going up. 

 

 

The CEO and President says separate housing areas for men, women and women with families is a blessing due to it's increased security and in so many other ways. 

 

Anthony Johnson says the Mission has taught him about Jesus' love, accountability, not giving up on himself, and life skills. 

 

I had a hard life with the drugs and alcohol. I was just stubborn and I didn't want to go back to that life, so this really has, this really has saved my life," Anthony Johnson said. 

 

The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley receives no tax dollars and relies solely on donations to help folks and families by doing God's work. 

 

Now prior to the holiday season near the end of the year, more donations are needed to help our neighbors in need. 

 

You can donate by going to rescuemissionmv.org 

 

There is a donate tab to click on and make your donation.